Can Blood be Considered Infectious in its original state?

Blood is not considered infectious then why does it fall under Infectious substances?

Blood is a bodily fluid that can contain infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens if the person has an infection.

Blood is classified as an infectious substance under dangerous goods regulations because it can potentially contain infectious agents that may pose a risk to human health if not handled properly. Blood can contain viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens that can cause diseases, such as hepatitis B and C, HIV, and malaria.

Infectious substances are one of the nine classes of dangerous goods as defined by the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UNCEGTDG). These substances are also known as biological substances, and they can include bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and other microorganisms that can cause disease in humans or animals.

When blood is transported or handled improperly, it can increase the risk of exposure to these pathogens, potentially leading to infections and the spread of diseases. Therefore, it is important to classify and handle blood as an infectious substance to ensure that appropriate safety measures are taken to prevent its accidental release and exposure to individuals who may come in contact with it.

According to these regulations, infectious substances are classified into two categories: Category A and Category B.

Category A: This includes infectious substances that can cause permanent disability and life-threatening or fatal diseases in humans or animals. Examples of Category A infectious substances include the Ebola virus, anthrax bacteria, and yellow fever virus.

Category B: This includes infectious substances that do not meet the criteria for Category A but still have the potential to cause disease in humans or animals. Examples of Category B infectious substances include HIV, hepatitis B virus, and salmonella bacteria.

The UN Model Regulations provide guidelines for the packaging, labeling, and transport of infectious substances to ensure their safe handling and prevent the spread of disease. These guidelines include requirements for the use of leak-proof and puncture-resistant packaging, proper labeling with appropriate hazard warning labels, and compliance with specific transport conditions, such as temperature control and ventilation.

It’s important to note that different countries may have their own regulations that may be more stringent than the UN Model Regulations. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the specific regulations and requirements for transporting infectious substances in the country or region in which you are operating.

In Conclusion, What for you might appear as a small blood sample, For your freight forwarder is a Critical and thorough undertaking to protect your sample and ensure it gets to its final destination intact.